Ski pole with internal fluid storage reservoir and method of use

ABSTRACT

A ski pole having a pole formed from anodized aluminum or other non-toxic material having an internal reservoir for storing liquid such as drinks. The pole passes completely through the handle portion and the tip portion of the pole providing superior structural integrity. The handle includes a strap which passes through a loop on the handle to secure it and includes an adjustable clasp for adjusting size of the strap. A cap is threaded to a top end of the handle portion for sealing the internal reservoir and allowing for refilling of the reservoir and pouring liquid therefrom.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a ski pole with internal reservoir and method for use thereof, and more specifically to a ski pole with an internal reservoir for storing fluids such as drinks.

2. Description of the Related Art

Skiing is a popular past time, and most skiers carry ski poles with them. Additional gear can make skiing difficult, making it impractical to carry drinks and drink containers on the mountain. While existing ski poles with fluid reservoirs exist, they are limited in storage capacity and have structural limitations due to removable handles, handles being affixed to poles at the end of the pole, and other limitations making them not ideal for use as an actual ski pole.

Heretofore there has not been available a system or method for a ski pole with internal reservoir with the advantages and features of the present invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally provides a ski pole having a pole formed from anodized aluminum or other non-toxic material having an internal reservoir for storing liquid such as drinks. The pole passes completely through the handle portion and the tip portion of the pole providing superior structural integrity. The handle includes a strap which passes through a loop on the handle to secure it and includes an adjustable clasp for adjusting size of the strap. A cap is threaded to a top end of the handle portion for sealing the internal reservoir and allowing for refilling of the reservoir and pouring liquid therefrom.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention illustrating various objects and features thereof.

FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view thereof.

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view thereof.

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view thereof.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view thereof.

FIG. 6 is a partial sectional view taken about the line of FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

I. Introduction and Environment

As required, detailed aspects of the present invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, up, down, front, back, right and left refer to the invention as orientated in the view being referred to. The words, “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the aspect being described and designated parts thereof. Forwardly and rearwardly are generally in reference to the direction of travel, if appropriate. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar meaning.

II. Preferred Embodiment Ski Pole 2

Referring to the figures in more detail, FIG. 1 shows a ski pole 2 having a handle portion 4, a pole portion 6, and a tip portion 8. The handle includes an ergonomic grip 10 molded to the pole 6 which passes through the handle portion 4. A strap 12 passes through a loop 28 formed in the handle 4 and includes an adjustable clasp 30 for adjusting the size of the strap 12.

A cap 14 is threaded to the handle 4 via threads 20 formed in the handle portion 4 as shown in more detail in the sectional view of FIG. 6. The cap 14 includes a flap 16 for connecting the cap 14 to the handle 4, preventing it from being misplaced when unscrewed from the threads 20. A button 18 connecting to a pin 22 allows the cap 14 to be turned freely while still being connected to the flap 16.

The pole 6 includes an internal reservoir 24 for containing liquids, such as drinks. As shown in FIG. 6, the pole 6 passes completely through the handle 4, which is molded to the pole, and also passes through the ski tip 8 and is sealed at the end with a tip cap 26, which also is a functional spike for use when skiing. This provides a maximum volume for the internal reservoir 24 including the entirety of the pole 6. The pole 6 passing completely through the handle 4 and tip 8 provides maximum structural integrity of the pole, and does not present any weak points for the pole to become separated from the handle 4 or tip 8 portions.

In use, the cap 14 can be unscrewed from the threads 20 providing an opening 32 for filling the internal reservoir 24 with liquid. The cap 14 can then be threaded back onto the handle 4, being spun about the pin 22 and secured to the flap 16. This closes and seals the internal reservoir 24 until the user decides to pour the liquid from the reservoir. The cap 14 is then removed again and the liquid can then be poured from the reservoir 24 via the opening 32.

FIG. 6 also shows how the tip cap 26, which may be screwed into the tip portion 8, can provide a leak-proof seal by using an adhesive 34, such as silicon rubber gel or UV glue, and a silicon rubber ring 36.

It is to be understood that while certain embodiments and/or aspects of the invention have been shown and described, the invention is not limited thereto and encompasses various other embodiments and aspects. 

1. A ski pole with liquid storage, the pole comprising: a handle portion having a loop for receiving a strap, a cap, and an ergonomic grip; a pole having an internal space forming an irremovable internal storage reservoir for receiving a liquid, said pole including a proximal end and a distal end; said pole proximal end comprising an opening which opens into said internal storage reservoir; said handle molded to said pole in proximity to said proximal end; said cap configured to seal said opening; a tip portion affixed to said pole distal end, said tip portion including a tip cap sealing said distal end of said pole and thereby sealing said internal reservoir; and whereby said internal storage reservoir extends from said tip cap to a top end of said handle.
 2. The ski pole of claim 1, further comprising: said strap including an adjustable clasp configured to adjust said strap's size.
 3. The ski pole of claim 1, further comprising: a flap comprising a first end and a second end; and said cap connected to said flap first end via a pin configured to allow free rotation of said cap, said flap second end being connected to said handle portion.
 4. The ski pole of claim 1, further comprising: said tip cap configured to be screwed into said tip portion; and an adhesive layer located between said tip cap and said tip portion, said adhesive layer providing a leak proof seal.
 5. The ski pole of claim 1, further comprising: a silicon ring between said tip cap and said tip portion, said silicon ring configured to provide a leak proof seal between said tip cap and said tip portion.
 6. The ski pole of claim 1, wherein said pole distal end comprises a tapered tip.
 7. The ski pole of claim 1, further comprising: said handle portion comprising threads for receiving said cap; and said cap comprising corresponding threads for being connected to said handle portion threads. 